Constitution & Revolutionary Wars

1791 Constitution

• The Assembly aimed to establish Constitutional Monarchy.
    
• A legislative assembly would have 745 members – elected every two years. 
   
• The King appointed ministers and military commanders.
   
• The King could have suspensive veto, except financial and constitutional matters.
   
• Waging war required agreement.
   
• The King was subordinate to law. 

“…so monstrous that it can not survive for long.”

- Marie Antoinette on the 1791 Constitution.

Émigré & War

• Many elites unhappy with reforms left for countries like Austria and opposed the new France.
   
• Austria and Prussia declared support for the King, also worried revolution may spread to their nations.
   
• The Revolutionary War, including also Britain and Spain, lasted 10 years, resulting in the death of 1.4m French.